As a landlord in Ohio, you have certain legal rights if your tenant stops paying rent. These rights are governed by the Ohio Landlord Tenant Law, which provides the procedures that landlords must follow to evict tenants who are behind on rent.
If your tenant stops paying rent, the first step is to send them a notice to pay rent or vacate the property. This notice must be in writing, and it should state the amount of rent that is overdue, the date by which the tenant must pay the rent, and the consequences of failing to pay the rent. You can send this notice via certified mail or hand-deliver it to the tenant.
If the tenant fails to pay the rent or vacate the property within the specified time frame, then you can file an eviction lawsuit, also known as a forcible entry and detainer action. You must file this lawsuit in the county where the property is located. You will need to provide proof of the notice to pay rent or vacate the property, as well as demonstrate that the tenant has violated the terms of the lease by failing to pay rent.
If you win the eviction lawsuit, the court will issue a writ of restitution, which allows you to regain possession of the property. You will need to give the tenant notice before you attempt to remove them from the property, and you must follow specific procedures for removing the tenant's personal property from the premises.
There are some limitations and exceptions to your rights as a landlord to evict a tenant who stops paying rent. For example, you cannot lock the tenant out of the property or shut off utilities as a means of forcing the tenant to pay rent. Additionally, you cannot discriminate against tenants on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability, or familial status.
If you have questions or concerns about your rights as a landlord in Ohio, it is recommended that you consult with an experienced attorney. They can provide you with personalized legal advice that is tailored to your specific situation.
By
